Lynn’s tips will save you serious cash (Picture: SWNS)
Dumbfounded at the mounting price of stocking up on groceries?
This frugal food guru has shared how to cut your shopping bills in half.
Personal finance expert Lynn Beattie – also known as ‘Mrs Mummypenny’ – is highly regarded for her helpful advice on how families can survive the cost of living crisis by shopping savvy and sensibly.
With all of us looking to tighten our purse strings and with shrinkflation in full swing, she recommends checking the cost per 100g or 100ml, as promotions on smaller-sized products can make the price cheaper than if you were to buy bigger.
She also advises switching to meat alternatives – which are just as substantial and can often make a meal go further for a fraction of the price – for extra savings.
Lynn’s recommendations are part of a partnership with The No Meat Company, a plant-based food brand looking into how nation’s shopping and eating habits have changed since the financial downturn first began.
A UK-wide survey found that 53% of people have changed the way they shop and cook due to the rising costs, while 25% eat less meat, 27% set stricter budgets, and 26% bulk buy and freeze their food.
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Neville Tam at The No Meat Company, said: ‘Soaring costs have led to a drastic change in our usual lifestyle habits and there’s no denying it’s a tough time for many, but your food shop doesn’t have to cost the earth.’
The study also uncovered that the majority of Brits (52%) would like to become better at buying food on a budget, yet only a fifth claim they are ‘very savvy’ at doing so.
More than two fifths (41%) often look for ways to spend less and 32% typically turn to cooking websites or family and friends for advice.
Yet, 69% think they could make even more savings than they do now if they found other ways to adapt their shopping and cooking habits.
Lynn’s top 10 ultimate food shop hacks
Choose a half-size trolley – there is less room to fill with impulse purchases and things you don’t need.
Walk the supermarket in a specific order – start at the reduced section, then visit the frozen food aisles, then the canned products and finish at the fresh foods.
Always look at the lowest level foods – the non-branded products are likely to be lower down and out of eye line.
Always look at the cost per 100g or 100ml – displayed on the shelf edge label, promotions on smaller-sized products can make the cost cheaper compared to bigger items.
The frozen food aisle is your friend – these products are frozen at the point of picking which means nutrients are immediately locked in and last longer as well as being better value than fresh.
Try batch cooking – rather than making it for the exact number of household members, double it and freeze it.
Opt more for meat-free recipes – some meat alternatives can be cheaper than meat, and products such as lentils or tofu are great alternatives while being substantial and better value for money.
Make the most of shopping vouchers – apps such as Green Jinn and Shopmium offer heavily discounted items you can use in store.
Sign up to supermarket loyalty schemes and app to earn rewards and get great discounts.
When it comes to frozen food, 18% now buy more of compared to pre-2021, with the average shopper dedicating £63.51 to their monthly shop on these products.
Reasons for this include the cheaper price and to cut down on food waste.
Commenting on the findings, Lynn said: ‘The drastic change in food prices has really made us re-evaluate the way we shop, but it’s not always easy to know how to tighten our belts during these tough times.
‘This is why I have enjoyed sharing my tips and tricks on how to save the pennies while still enjoying delicious and healthy meals.’
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Get in touch by emailing MetroLifestyleTeam@Metro.co.uk.
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The frozen food aisle is your friend.